Michigan to Louisiana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,184 miles from Michigan to Louisiana falls between $842 and $1,359. Delivery typically takes two–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana to Michigan car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Michigan to Louisiana car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Michigan to Louisiana:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Michigan
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Michigan can deliver your vehicle to Louisiana:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Michigan to Louisiana
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Michigan to Louisiana, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,184 miles to your vehicle on the route from Michigan to Louisiana. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Michigan to Louisiana. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Michigan to Louisiana auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Michigan and Louisiana. The typical distance is about 1,184 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Louisiana
| From Michigan to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to New Orleans, LA | $781 – $1,314 | 1,065 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Detroit, MI to Baton Rouge, LA | $868 – $1,387 | 1,122 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Detroit, MI to Shreveport, LA | $805 – $1,275 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Detroit, MI to Metairie, LA | $838 – $1,327 | 1,069 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Detroit, MI to Lafayette, LA | $859 – $1,318 | 1,176 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Louisiana
| From Michigan to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to New Orleans, LA | $838 – $1,249 | 1,070 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Baton Rouge, LA | $773 – $1,275 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Shreveport, LA | $773 – $1,314 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Metairie, LA | $773 – $1,275 | 1,065 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Lafayette, LA | $912 – $1,456 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Louisiana
| From Michigan to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to New Orleans, LA | $797 – $1,275 | 1,083 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warren, MI to Baton Rouge, LA | $895 – $1,373 | 1,140 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warren, MI to Shreveport, LA | $859 – $1,456 | 1,109 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warren, MI to Metairie, LA | $830 – $1,327 | 1,087 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warren, MI to Lafayette, LA | $877 – $1,428 | 1,194 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Louisiana
| From Michigan to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to New Orleans, LA | $813 – $1,353 | 1,086 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Baton Rouge, LA | $859 – $1,373 | 1,144 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Shreveport, LA | $895 – $1,331 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Metairie, LA | $822 – $1,340 | 1,090 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Lafayette, LA | $850 – $1,415 | 1,197 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Louisiana
| From Michigan to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to New Orleans, LA | $846 – $1,288 | 1,052 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Baton Rouge, LA | $850 – $1,415 | 1,109 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Shreveport, LA | $805 – $1,275 | 1,070 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Metairie, LA | $789 – $1,353 | 1,056 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Lafayette, LA | $904 – $1,359 | 1,163 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Louisiana
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Michigan to Louisiana, the price usually falls between $1,053 and $1,699.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Louisiana
When transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Pelican State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Louisiana.
- Distance and route: The trip from Michigan to Louisiana covers roughly 1,184 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Michigan in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Michigan and Louisiana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Louisiana, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- Vehicle inspection: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
Transporting your vehicle to Louisiana
About 4.6 million people are living in the Pelican State. Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Louisiana?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Michigan and when dropping it off in Louisiana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Louisiana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Louisiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Louisiana, which you should verify before loading your car in Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Louisiana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Louisiana is about 1,184 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Michigan to Louisiana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Louisiana?
New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Louisiana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Louisiana after purchasing it.
In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Louisiana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Louisiana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Louisiana is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to Louisiana?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Louisiana costs $842 to $1,359.
